Winner of the 2012 Branford Boase Award for an outstanding debut novel.

The Carnegie Judges said: With a great central character, a sophisticated plot and an ending that is both credible and hopeful, this is a book that avoids the "issues trap" to stay with you long after you finish it. The observations of the 10 year old narrator are extremely well-captured, as is his growing friendship with Surya, and the way in which prejudice is broken down on both sides.

The Branford Boase judges said: A very accomplished piece of writing by an author with a clear talent. The descriptions of the way the father handled his daughter’s death and a small child’s reaction to this are very well handled.

A Lovereading4Kids 'Debut of the Year 2011'.

11+. Heartbreaking and funny in equal measure, 10-year-old Jamie's direct and wide-eyed account of the emotional chaos he and his family live through following the death of his sister in a terrorist attack is poignant and warm-hearted. Beginning a new life in the Lake District with his older sister and his father, who mourns his daughter through alcohol and a wild rage against her killers, Jamie knows he should feel sadder than he does. The truth is, he can hardly remember his sister; and what is happening with his new school and new friends, especially Sunya, is more urgent – as is his yearning for his absent mother. Emotionally charged, this is a wonderfully touching story which never slips into worthiness.

Shortlisted for the 2012 Carnegie Medal.

Shortlisted for the Galaxy Children's Book of the Year Award 2011.

The LoveReading Comment:

Begin reading this book and you'll be utterly mesmerised by the voice of a 10 year old boy whose family have quite frankly gone AWOL since one of his twin sisters was blown up by a terrorist bomb 5 years before.  Narrated by the boy, My Sister lives on a Mantelpiece  will bring both laughter and tears to the reader, both young and old but don't be put off by the main protagonist being only 10.  This is definitely a book for boys and girls aged 11+ and is a debut novel from an author with a bright future. 

The eagerly awaited second book from Annabel Pitcher is out in December 2012.  It’s called Ketchup Clouds and you can read an exclusive extract right now here on Lovereading together with our expert opinion and that of a few lucky Lovereading members who were asked to review it.

In addition to our Lovereading expert opinion above for My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece we have a number of reviews from Lovereading members....scroll down this page to see what they think.

Synopsis

Heartbreaking and funny in equal measure, 10-year-old Jamie's direct and wide-eyed account of the emotional chaos he and his family live through following the death of his sister in a terrorist attack is poignant and warm-hearted.

Ten-year-old Jamie Matthews has just moved to the Lake District with his Dad and his teenage sister, Jasmine for a 'Fresh New Start'. Five years ago his sister's twin, Rose, was blown up by a terrorist bomb. His parents are wrecked by their grief, Jasmine turns to piercing, pink hair and stops eating. The family falls apart. But Jamie hasn't cried in all that time. To him Rose is just a distant memory. Jamie is far more interested in his cat, Roger, his birthday Spiderman T-shirt, and in keeping his new friend Sunya a secret from his dad. And in his deep longing and unshakeable belief that his Mum will come back to the family she walked out on months ago. When he sees a TV advert for a talent show, he feels certain that this will change everything and bring them all back together once and for all.

Reviews

'Overall this book was a fantastic read, I have no faults & really enjoyed it. I am looking
forward to reading her next book.' - Chloe Sheehan - Click here to read the full review.

'My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece is the heart-wrenching story of Jamie, a boy living in the aftermath of 7/7. Honest, funny, and beautifully written, this could easily become a classic.' - Rachel Bourn - Click here to read the full review.

'This book will make you laugh and it will make you cry, but most of all it will win your
heart and send your mind on a meander of thought long after you have turned the final
page.' - Josh Travers - Click here to read the full review.


'Annabel Pitcher has truly captured very emotional issues and has turned it into a heart warming story, that all ages could enjoy.' - Jhaneel - Click here to read the full review.

'This book is guaranteed to make you think, and is a truly great read for anyone looking for a new, unique take on the idea of an ordinary family losing a treasured member. This story will captivate you from start to finish...' - Morgan Steigmann Aged 13 - Click here to read the full review.

I loved this book; it seemed so real… Anyone one with a warm heart and a smile can read this book. Izzy Read - Click here to read the full review.

My sister lives on the mantelpiece is the heart-wrenching story … a touching reminder of grief, and how the young tackle it. 4 stars. Georgina, aged 15 - Click here to read the full review.

I was astounded by the gritty and realistic honesty. Christie Heaven - Click here to read the full review.

The way this book was written as a child's point of view was outstanding! Shriya Samani - Click here to read the full review.

This is a story with a beautiful, honest narrative which will grab you by the hand. Roshana Wickremasinghe - Click here to read the full review.

It is truthful and at times both shocking and sad. Sheila Burke - Click here to read the full review.


Readers are given every side of the story, which provides a unique perspective on tragic events. Kalilah K - Click here to read the full review.


I really like this book. It deals with a lot of serious issues really well. Harriet Cunningham - Click here to read the full review.


be warned, it is a real tear-jerker. I cried reading this book, you probably will too. Emer  O'Brien - Click here to read the full review.


I thought that this book was brilliant! I really enjoyed reading it. Molly Hudson Age 10 - Click here to read the full review.


a harsh, truthful, beautiful, tearful, hilarious, heart-warming tale. Seren Mehmet - Click here to read the full review.

A book i'll never forget. It shows that no matter how bad life gets, there will always be hope some where. Hollie Compton, 14 - - Click here to read the full review.

I really liked the fact that it was written from a ten year old’s perspective. A touching novel I would give this book ten out of ten. Ryan McGuckian age 13 St. Colm’s High School, Draperstown Northern Ireland Click here to read the full review.

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Praise for My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece

The Carnegie Judges said: With a great central character, a sophisticated plot and an ending that is both credible and hopeful, this is a book that avoids the "issues trap" to stay with you long after you finish it. The observations of the 10 year old narrator are extremely well-captured, as is his growing friendship with Surya, and the way in which prejudice is broken down on both sides.

'It's a wonderful piece of writing. It has a warmth you can bask in; an honesty you can cut with a knife... There were plenty of tears as I read, and again later when I thought back on it. This is one of those stories which has elements that will stay with me for good.' Philip Ardagh

'I loved every second of it..  That is what is so wonderful about the book – you feel everything [Jamie] feels, because it is narrated with the same simplicity and confusion that he himself would have gone through.' Fanus Fibreab, 14, one of the winners of the Guardian Young Critics' Prize 2011.

click here to read addtional reviews.

About the Author

Annabel Pitcher studied English at Oxford and has since worked as a script writer and an English teacher. She lives in Yorkshire with her husband. MY SISTER LIVES ON THE MANTELPIECE is her first novel. She is a full time writer. More books by this author Author 'Like for Like' recommendation